· Reprieve for speeding drivers

Motoring organisations gave a cautious welcome to Government proposals to introduce a more flexible system of speeding penalties.
Drivers caught just marginally over the speed limit could face just two penalty points on their license under the new plans. Drivers caught just marginally over the speed limit could face just two penalty points on their license under the new plans.
A consultation on a new penalties structure will be launched some time after the local and European elections on June 10, Department of Transport officials said.
The Government has faced a backlash over the increased use of speed cameras which critics argue is more about raising cash for the Treasury than improving road safety.
The number of motorists caught speeding on camera in 2002 rose by 40 per cent to 1.5 million, compared to the previous year, according to recent Home Office figures.
Three points
Drivers caught breaking the speed limit automatically receive three points regardless of their actual speed.
An automatic ban is slapped on anyone racking up 12 points - or four offences - within three years. Motorists caught speeding way over the limit can face up to six penalty points or disqualification if they are convicted by a court.
Tony Vickers, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said: "It's good news that the Government has recognised that the sledgehammer weapons of mass prosecution approach by speed cameras is causing a great deal of injustice and resentment."
But he said proposals such as two penalty points for driving just over the limit and six points if you are well in excess were "too simplistic".
"What they are saying is, the faster you go, the more penalties you receive," he added.
Problem of enforcement
Mr. Vickers said the fundamental problem was not the law itself but the way that it was enforced. He said the Government was effectively relying on speed cameras to enforce the law, rather than by discriminate traffic police patrols that can determine whether someone is driving dangerously or recklessly in those circumstances.
"What you need is trained police traffic patrols ... police out there on the roads, watching people's behaviour and deciding whether they are behaving recklessly or dangerously," he added.
A motorist who drives past a school on a busy Monday morning and is marginally over the speed limit would clearly be endangering lives, more so than one driving past at the same speed at night when the road is clear, Mr. Vickers said.
He added: "At the moment you can be going over the speed limit under certain circumstances where visibility is good and the road is clear and you are endangering nobody, but you are liable to a prosecution for which you have no defence whatsoever.
Daily Mail
16th May 2004